Bethalto IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bethalto, Illinois.
1. Bluestem Distillery
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Bluestem Distillery offers visitors a chance to experience locally crafted spirits in the heart of Bethalto. Guests can tour the production facility to learn about the distillation process and sample various handcrafted spirits made with local ingredients. The distillery has become one of the top attractions in Bethalto, providing both educational and tasting experiences for spirits enthusiasts.
2. Steve Bryant Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Steve Bryant Community Park serves as a central recreational hub for residents and visitors in Bethalto. The park features playgrounds, walking paths, sports fields, and picnic areas perfect for family outings and community gatherings. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings while participating in various outdoor activities throughout the year.
3. Splash Pad
REFRESHING WATER FUN
The Splash Pad in Bethalto provides a refreshing escape during hot summer months for families with children. Water features spray, splash, and shower visitors in this zero-depth aquatic play area that's perfect for cooling off. The attraction is especially popular among young children who can safely enjoy water play without the dangers of a traditional swimming pool.
4. Airport Plaza Bowl
CLASSIC BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Airport Plaza Bowl offers classic bowling entertainment for people of all ages in Bethalto. The facility features multiple bowling lanes, an arcade, and a snack bar making it perfect for family outings, date nights, or friendly competitions. Visitors can enjoy this indoor activity regardless of weather conditions, making it a popular year-round attraction.
5. Bethalto Arboretum
PEACEFUL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Bethalto Arboretum spans approximately 2.5 acres adjacent to Central Park along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. The arboretum was developed on an old railroad property and now showcases various tree species and plant collections for public enjoyment and education. Nature enthusiasts can stroll through this peaceful botanical space while learning about native and ornamental flora.
6. Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower
HISTORIC OBSERVATION POINT
The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower stands as a monument to the historic expedition, located near Bethalto in Hartford, Illinois. The 180-foot tower offers spectacular views of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the very spot where Lewis and Clark began their westward journey. Visitors can enjoy the interpretive center and learn about the Corps of Discovery while taking in panoramic views from multiple observation decks.
7. Ruby's
VIRTUAL REALITY ADVENTURE
Ruby's offers an immersive virtual reality experience with escape rooms and a VR arcade center in the Bethalto area. Visitors can step into digital worlds and solve puzzles or enjoy various VR games using state-of-the-art equipment. This modern attraction provides a unique entertainment option that combines technology with interactive storytelling for friends and families.
8. Twisted Key Escape Rooms
PUZZLING REAL-LIFE ADVENTURES
Twisted Key Escape Rooms immerses visitors in real-life adventure games filled with mysterious puzzles and brain-teasing clues near Bethalto. Teams must work together to solve various challenges within a set time limit to successfully escape the themed rooms. The attraction offers an engaging combination of storytelling, problem-solving, and teamwork that creates memorable experiences for participants.
9. Wood River Refinery History Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Wood River Refinery History Museum is located in front of the Conoco-Phillips Refinery on Highway 111 in Wood River, near Bethalto. The museum complex consists of four buildings dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich industrial history of the region's petroleum industry. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historical equipment, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the 65-year legacy of oil refining in the area.
10. Watershed Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Watershed Nature Center provides a 46-acre urban wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center near Bethalto in Edwardsville. Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through wetlands, forests, and prairies while observing native plants and animals in their natural habitats. The center offers educational programs and serves as a peaceful retreat where nature enthusiasts can connect with the local ecosystem.
11. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico, located about 20 miles from Bethalto. Visitors can explore more than 70 mounds built between 1050-1350 AD by the Mississippian culture, including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. The on-site museum features exhibits of artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs that bring this UNESCO World Heritage Site's ancient urban center to life.
12. City Museum
PLAYGROUND BUILT FROM SALVAGE
City Museum offers an interactive indoor playground built from reclaimed industrial objects located in downtown St. Louis, about 26 miles from Bethalto. Visitors can climb, crawl, and slide through a surreal landscape that includes caves, tunnels, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and repurposed architectural features like old airplanes and ships. This one-of-a-kind attraction encourages exploration and adventure for both children and adults in a uniquely artistic environment.
13. St. Ferdinand Shrine
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
St. Ferdinand Shrine stands as a beautiful historic church built in the mid-1800s that continues to be in use today in Florissant, near the Bethalto area. The shrine represents one of the oldest Catholic parish complexes in Missouri and features stunning architecture, religious artifacts, and historical exhibits. Visitors can tour the shrine to learn about the region's religious heritage and the significant role it played in the early development of the area.
14. Birdy's Scooters and ATV's
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DESTINATION
Birdy's Scooters and ATV's has been serving the Bethalto area for over 22 years as a premier destination for recreational vehicles. The business offers competitive pricing on ATVs, scooters, and related equipment for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's trails and terrain. Visitors can browse their extensive inventory, receive expert advice from experienced staff, and find everything needed for off-road adventures.
15. Gwin's Travel
EXPERT TRAVEL PLANNING
Gwin's Travel has been serving the Bethalto community for 46 years as a trusted travel agency helping locals plan their dream vacations. Founded by a passionate traveler who had visited 46 states by age 18, the agency specializes in curating personalized travel experiences based on extensive first-hand knowledge. Visitors can consult with expert travel advisors who transform vacation planning from overwhelming to exciting through their professional guidance and destination expertise.